TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Burger 21®, a new better burger franchise founded by the owners of The Melting Pot® Restaurants, Inc., announced today its first Atlanta location, which opened three weeks ago, experienced record sales in its first two weeks of operation. To build on this momentum and enable further growth for the brand in the Metro Atlanta area, Burger 21 will be exhibiting at the Franchise Business Opportunities Expo in Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 7 and 8 at the Cobb Galleria Center. In addition, the Tampa-based franchise will host on Sept. 8 an Executive Roundtable at the Buford Burger 21 restaurant for qualified candidates who are interested in learning more about growth opportunities in the market.

"We've already seen great success with our first Burger 21 restaurant in Atlanta, and continue to see strong interest in our brand throughout the market," said Dan Stone, vice president of franchise development for Front Burner Brands, management company for Burger 21. "As part of our aggressive growth strategy, we will be in the market for a few days and want to offer interested Atlanta entrepreneurs the opportunity to experience Burger 21 firsthand. Once they try one of our 21 chef-inspired burgers in our family-friendly atmosphere, they will better understand the value of the investment and what separates Burger 21 from the competition."

Atlanta-based franchisees Corley and Meg Steward recently opened the first Burger 21 restaurant in the market. Joining Burger 21's development team at the Executive Roundtable, Corley will share their journey to franchise ownership and personal experiences since opening their first restaurant.

"We're really looking forward to sharing our passion for the brand with other entrepreneurs in the area," said Corley Steward. "From the signing of our initial agreement to the restaurant's grand opening, we truly appreciate the continuous support from the Front Burner Brands team. We also are excited to develop a second location in the Atlanta market next year."

Qualified candidates who would like to attend the Executive Roundtable at the Buford Burger 21 (3385 Woodward Crossing Blvd., Suite 350) on Sept. 8 from 6 – 8 p.m. must RSVP to Ashley Pollard, franchise development manager for Burger 21, at (813) 425-6252 or apollard@burger21.com or at http://www.burger21franchise.com/events.aspx. Burger 21 food and beverages will be provided, but space is limited, so you must RSVP to attend.

Burger 21 recently was named one of Fast Casual's Top 100 "Movers and Shakers" of 2013. The concept ranked No. 22 based on its variety of innovative recipes and recent expansion. In addition, the franchise's gluten-free menu received the No. 1 ranking in the "Top 10 Menu Innovations" category and Mark Johnston was recognized as one of the "Top 20 People" for his strategic leadership in the growth and development of the brand.

To date, Burger 21 has nine open locations and 17 franchised restaurants in development across the country. Since launching its aggressive growth plan in fall 2011, Burger 21 has signed franchise agreements with 12 different entities in nine states to develop a total of 22 franchised units in cities across the country.

Burger 21 is seeking single- and multi-unit operators with restaurant experience to join its upscale fast-casual dining concept. Franchisee candidates should have a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $200,000 per unit. Burger 21 will be developed through both single-unit agreements and Area Development Agreements. Depending on the real estate site selected, franchisees can expect the total investment for one restaurant to be approximately $414,495 – $831,995. The initial franchise fee is $40,000; however, reduced franchise fees apply for Area Development Agreements of four or more units.

About Burger 21With nine locations open in Tampa Bay, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Voorhees, N.J., Atlanta, Ga., and Charlotte, N.C., and 17 in development in six states, Burger 21 is a "beyond the better burger" fast-casual franchise concept founded in 2010. Burger 21 is a chef-inspired brand with offerings including 21 unique burger creations ranging from hand-crafted, freshly ground Certified Angus Beef® to chicken, turkey, vegetarian, shrimp and tuna burgers, made-to-order salads, all-beef hot dogs, hand-breaded chicken tenders and an extensive shake bar including hand-dipped shakes, floats and sundaes. Burger 21 is an affiliate of Front Burner Brands, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. For more information, visit http://www.burger21.com.

About Front Burner BrandsFront Burner Brands (formerly known as TGS Restaurant Management) is a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Fla. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1975 with more than 135 locations in North America and more than 25 locations currently in development, Burger 21 with nine locations open in Tampa Bay, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Voorhees, N.J., Atlanta, Ga., and Charlotte, N.C., and 17 in development in six states, GrillSmith with six locations in the Tampa Bay area and other new franchise concepts in development. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.